Disaster Management
Information for North Coast communities
Healthy North Coast is committed to supporting community members prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and other emergencies.
For information specific to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit our COVID-19 page.
Readiness
Our region experiences a range of natural disasters including floods, bushfires, and drought. Being prepared for an emergency can save lives and support you and your family’s health and wellbeing during and after disasters.
If you want to be prepared for a future disaster, have experienced a disaster or are recovering from a disaster, visit the Australian Red Cross for useful emergency management information and resources.
Response
Healthy North Coast offers a range of services to support communities during a disaster or emergency situation.
Healthy North Coast GP Telehealth
Healthy North Coast GP Telehealth is available to North Coast residents who can’t get an appointment with their regular GP due to the effects of a disaster. Free telehealth appointments with a GP can be booked any time of the day or night, 7 days a week. Phone 1800 931 158.
Local primary health services
General practices, Aboriginal medical services, pharmacies and allied health providers can be impacted by disasters. Please contact your health provider before attending to ensure they are open. You can use the healthdirect Service Finder to locate a health service near you.
Lismore Primary Health Precinct
The Lismore Primary Health Precinct has now opened with a broad range of health providers offering appointments and services; including general practice, mental health, pharmacy, pathology, allied health services and more.
Mental health support
Immediate 24/7 help
- Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
- Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- MensLine 1300 78 99 78
- Lifeline Text 0477 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 (children under 12 years)
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- NSW Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63
- Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 686 268
- In an emergency, please call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Connect to Wellbeing
Connect to Wellbeing connects you to the right mental health support and information. Connect to Wellbeing offers free face-to-face or telephone counselling with qualified mental health professionals. Call 1300 160 339 Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm.
Download a flyer about mental health that was developed for the floods, which includes all the mental health information.
Recovery
Healthy North Coast delivers a range of programs to support our communities in recovery.
Head to Health
Head to Health services are now available on the North Coast to support people of all ages seeking mental health advice and services.
Lismore Health Precinct
The Lismore Primary Health Precinct hosts a broad range of health providers offering appointments and services; including general practice, mental health, pharmacy, pathology, allied health services and more.
Safe Havens
Safe Haven community support and wellbeing hubs offer free on-the-spot services and advice 7 days a week. Four Safe Haven sites are now operating across our Northern NSW region — Woodburn, Lismore, Mullumbimby and Murwillumbah.
Connect to Wellbeing
Connect to Wellbeing connects you to the right mental health support and information. Connect to Wellbeing offers free face-to-face or telephone counselling with qualified mental health professionals. Call 1300 160 339 Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm.
Download a flyer about mental health that was developed for the floods, which includes all the mental health information.
Medicare Better Access
Talk to your GP or contact a Medicare-registered mental health professional, such as a psychologist or mental health social worker, to access up to 20 counselling sessions each calendar year.
Services are available for anyone whose mental health has been affected by bushfires, floods or other disasters. It is not limited to people living in directly impacted areas. People can self-refer to a mental health professional and a mental health treatment plan is not required. Fees may apply.
Resilient Kids
Resilient Kids will deliver mental health and trauma informed supports for school-aged children across the Northern Rivers as part of our community recovery response to the 2022 floods.
Community Wellbeing and Resilience Program
Our Community Wellbeing and Resilience Program supports communities to recover from the impacts of natural disaster and build their capacity to face future challenges.
The Bushfire Recovery Community Grants Program supports the mental health and emotional wellbeing of Australians affected by the 2019–2020 bushfires. It is an Australian Government funded initiative that aims to build social cohesion, connection and resilience through community-led recovery activities. In 2021, Healthy North Coast is supporting 43 grassroots recovery initiatives across the region.
